Events in 2020

The BAC hosted a Diagnostic Cytopathology cases webinar on 11th September 2020

Webinar: The rapid implementation of a SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay to support antibody screening in the UK.

This is an online course.

Laboratory preparedness for SARS-CoV-2 and other Winter Respiratory Viruses

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the basics and potential of CRISPR technology through the University of Westminster's Quintin Hogg Trust - Gene Editors of the Future Programme. Genome engineering lab of School of Life Sciences (www.westmingenlab.com) is excited to offer to Masters and Level 6 UG students the opportunity to work alongside experts right from the basics to advanced stages of gene editing and biomedical engineering. We also encourage interested students from Level 5 to register and benefit from the online sessions however, please note that Masters and Level 6 only will have access to hands on laboratory sessions due to limited space availability in the laboratory.

CRISPR technology which is set to be the biggest scientific breakthrough of the decade (also won the first ever all-women Nobel Prize in 119 years of the Award's history) allows us to rewrite the genetic content precisely in living cells. CRISPR/Cas9 technology in particular offers promising strategies for treatment and cure of inherited diseases and certain cancers. Applications of the CRISPR tool box is endless including, biosensing and diagnosis of infections (look up this simplest SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test https://eu.idtdna.com/pages/landing/coronavirus-research-reagents/sherlock-kits). And most importantly, CRISPR technology is one of the most sought-after skills in biomedical research.

The programme will be delivered in three phases. You will be required to spend 2h/fortnight for the online sessions till December 2020, independent work in the month of January 2021 and expected work will double during hands on laboratory activities in groups from February 2021. Both online and hands on training sessions are flexible and will be delivered without any clash in the timetabled learning sessions. There is no assessment linked to this programme but participation in at least 70% of the sessions and assigned activities is required to earn the certificate

To understand what is meant by HPLC
To appreciate the history and theoretical background of HPLC
To know the requirements for HPLC sample preparation
To be able to make up a sample and mobile phase
To safely operate an isocratic HPLC system
To perform analysis following a HPLC method
To identify and state the function of each component of an HPLC instrument
To know if a chromatogram is integrated correctly

To understand which HPLC column to use and why; To be confident using both normal and reverse phase columns; To know when to use a pre- and guard column; To appreciate fluorescence and diode array detection methods; To be able to set up a gradient method; To determine the gradient dwell volume for a HPLC system; To analyse cations by ion chromatography; To understand different calibration methods and perform internal standard calibration

To identify common maintenance problems for Agilent HPLC systems.
To be able to carry out service procedures for the following Agilent HPLC system components:
HPLC Pumps;
Autosampler;
Column compartment;
UV-Vis Detectors;

Working group to develop standards for clinical and diagnostic microbiology laboratories

The Art and Science of Practical Management: Core skills for leadership and management - Virtual Training Series

Introduction to basic tissue recognition and discussing and demonstrating epithelia and basic connective tissue